The Current Negative Climate of the United States

Now, more than ever, the public at large is experiencing one of the most stressful and negative times in recent memory. It's not just one thing, or even two or three things, in psychology this is what's called "The Dumptruck Effect". Meaning that people are capable of handling quite alot of stress, but eventually when things, events, and situations continue to pile up, even the most resolute eventually reaches a breaking point. This breaking point is more often than not reached and crossed over by something that to the outsider might seem trivial or not all that important. That is the caveat of the dumptruck effect. It's the proverbial "straw that breaks the camel's back".
When a culture or society is experiencing psychotrauma on such a massive scale, with no hope or help in sight (at least perceived), then all things begin to be amplified. We have been consistently bombarded by news of how bad the economy is, how work has dried up, and how miserable the current situation is, compound that with an ongoing war, inept politicians (at least on a national level), crime, traffic, mounting debt, people working through their vacations, the fear of losing one's job (and furthermore that is attached to our superego which validates our very existence) and a host of other things, it's no wonder that at times it seems the entire country is losing their minds.
In situations like this, we can see that the pressure is pouring down on everyone, and humans are highly adept at venting their frustrations on incidental people and objects, be it the person who cuts you off in traffic to the rude girl at the fast food counter. It's a vicious, in the truest sense of the word, cycle.
BUT....
You can break the cycle! At least for yourself and hopefully those in your immediate circle!
Any long time reader of this blog, or anyone who knows me personally knows that I have a philosophy of non participation in things that I do not particularly care for. This isn't the old ostrich with his head in the sand. There's a big difference between non-participation and being oblivious to the world at large.
It starts with an internal choice...will I allow the actions of others that are outside of my control to affect my mood and my behavior? Will I allow someone else to control me? Am I so weak willed and impressionable that the anger and stupidity of others can force me to behave that way?
The thing about those questions is that they all depend on what answer you willingly choose. No one can force you to think a certain way. No one can force you to behave a certain way. Just because everyone around you is stressed out and acts out their frustrations in unhealthy ways doesn't mean that you have to.
Here are some tips to start you off on your road to peace and prosperity...
1. Employ a practice of letting go. What I mean by that is if it doesn't directly concern you, let go of it. We can only do what is in our immediate power to do. It's a hard thing for caring and compassionate people to realize that they cannot save the world. Many times we circumvent our own private pain by taking on the cross of other causes. We must come back to ourselves and let go of what it outside of our sphere of influence. It's our minds, our bodies, our internal peace and happiness that should be of the utmost importance. That's not to say we can't help others or things of that nature, that's not what I mean. Here's an example of What I mean is that if you are a hard worker and do everything that is asked of you, a model employee for all intents and purposes. Then you suddenly get released. Don't place the blame on yourself and wallow in depression or self pity. Let it go, and figure out the next step in your life. Another example would be to let go of complaining. We can't change the price of gasoline, we can augment our behaviors so we are not so dependent on it, but ultimately we can't change something that we don't directly have a say in.
2. Have a back up Plan.
One thing that gets most people in a rut or a depressed or angry state is the enactment of unexpected events. We are taken by surprise and it adds to our level of frustration. How many of us have said "Oh great! This is exactly what I need right now! (sarcastic emphasis)" When we take an approach of proper prior planning then we are more able to adapt to bad situations. For example, what if you got let go? what if one of the kids got sick? Are you prepared for those situations? In many cases, just having a basic plan of what you could do helps alleviate stress. For example, if you lost your job, what could you do? Be prepared to file unemployment, know what the terms and statutes are, have an up to date resume, have networking in place on a personal level to help find a job, cut back one month out of the year and save that money, figure out what your bare minimum shoe string budget is. Have a list of all non essential bills (netflix, ebay, tanning bed, etc.) and how you could eliminate them rather quickly. What are the terms of your insurance? Do you have a health savings account? Are there others in your family who could get supplemental insurance for your children? Be aware of what public programs are available, that way, should the situation arise, you'll be prepared and able to partake in those programs.
3. Don't participate in the negativity of others. There is a different between concern and worry. I am concerned about the economy and how it affects me, but ultimately I'm not worried about it. Worry leads to stress and stress will lead to sadness and anger (didn't mean to get all Yoda on you lol). When we allow others to manipulate our energies, then we begin to lose ourselves. Losing ourselves is the first step that leads to the disintegration of relationships. Further compounding the situation at hand. When we come home from work, and the people in our homes are glad to see us, they have no idea what went on in the world outside that door. BECAUSE IT'S THE WORLD OUTSIDE THAT DOOR! When you bring that back into your home, how do you think it's going to turn out? Leave it out there, it'll be there when you leave your house again. Cherish the people in your life, encourage them with positivity and happiness, that's a circle and a cycle too. Rarely are smiles returned with frowns by those we know and love. Just try smiling and saying "you're great" to those close to you. There's enough people out in the world telling them they aren't.
4. Finally, you've heard don't sweat the small stuff, well, I say, don't sweat anything. Nothing is the end of the world, but the end of the world. If we are self motivated, prepared for situations that could arise, and close with our family and friends, then our positive mental attitude will allow us to land on our feet. Sure, things might not be exactly like we want them to be, but we live in a world full of possibilities and opportunities, it's up to the motivated individual to be able to find them and make the most of the hand we've been dealt.
Peace and Love,
W. Dwight Hatfield
Marketing Director
SurvTech Solutions Surveying & Mapping